Code Approvals

Nothing is more basic to the code and code enforcement than approval (ICC, 2012). Having an ICC-ES ESR report means fasteners have ICC approval.  GRK fasteners are ICC code approved for exterior use in ACQ pressure treated lumber and have the strength to meet all your general construction needs.  A building inspector will be able to use an ESR report to code approve your construction projects.

2012 International Residential Code

Section R104.11 Alternative material, design and methods of construction and equipment.

The provisions of this code (2012 International Residential Code) are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of the International Codes in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be permitted as an alternate.

AC257: The international Code Council (ICC) introduced AC257 (acceptance criteria 257) on January 1, 2009 because of the corrosive tendencies of ACQ and other pressure treated lumber.  The ACQ approved rating is now outdated and fasteners need AC257 approval for all treated wood applications.  AC257 approval requires that all fastener coatings for pressure treated lumber be hot dipped galvanized, or other nontraditional coatings (i.e. GRK) in use be tested comparatively to hot dipped galvanized fasteners as the benchmark (ASTM A153).  If the fastener submitted to the ICC is as good as or better than hot dipped galvanized, it receives the ICCs AC257 rating.  Our GRK Climatek coating exceeded the benchmark hot dipped galvanized fasteners during the ICC’s testing. Therefore, we were issued the AC257 approval ESR#2442.

Why is this important? The local building inspector may flag the job if you are not using AC257 approved fasteners in treated lumber, which may require rework, problems and added expense to the job.  More importantly, most insurance companies will/may not cover the lumberyard and/or the contractor in the event of a deck collapse involving injuries and/or death.  Google “deck collapses” and see how much of a legal issue this could be.  Be sure the fasteners you sell/use have AC257 approval listed on the box. Many of the screws being used in treated lumber are sold as ACQ approved when they really are not, nor do they have the AC257 rating.  Ask the manufacturer to prove they have a current rating for treated lumber.   Protect yourself and your company by using quality, time tested AC257 approved GRK Products.

ESR 2442: RSS screws have been evaluated for structural and corrosion resistance to be in compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). RSS fasteners are an industry leader for strength and corrosion resistance.

RSS Structural Screws - ICC-ES/ESR-2442

ESR 3201: R4 multipurpose screw, Trim screw and Kameleon screw are code approved for the IBC and IRC for structural strength and corrosion resistance. They are the most popular screws for installing decks.

R4 Multi Purpose Screws - ICC Report # ESR-3201

Fin/TRIM Finishing Trim Head Screws - ICC Report # ESR-3201

RT Composite Trim Head Screws - ICC Report # ESR-3201

Kameleon Composite Deck Screws - ICC Report # ESR-3201